| The pictures show a front and back view of the (2) Old Boston Massachusetts Metal Credit Charge Plates With Leather Cases in this lot. Prior to the common use of credit cards as we know them today, there were these charge plates that stores used to authorize and credit a persons account for goods purchased. These are believed to be from the 1930s or 1940s. The plates have raised lettering and notches on the edge. One of these is from a Saugus, Massachusetts address and the other is from a Walpole, Massachusetts address. Each comes with an embossed leather case. The cases are marked on the two sides as follows: CHARGA PLATE ® ASSOCIATES
BOSTON The plates have a paper insert inside. One of them is signed and the other is not. The cards read as follows: ''FOR CONVENIENT SHOPPING''
CHARGA PLATE ASSOCIATES, INC.
BOSTON
PLEASE SIGN HERE IN INK
FARRINGTON MFG. CO.
CHARGA PLATE
TRADE MARK To judge the sizes the metal plates measure about 2-1/2'' x 1-3/16''. One of these appears to be in unused mint condition while the other has wear as pictured. | 
